Standing Lateral Stretch

A beginner stretch for the abs.

Movement guide

Standing Lateral Stretch

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredOther / check instructions

Muscle focusAbs

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Standing Lateral Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding Lateral StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Boat pose (Navasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBoat pose (Navasana)Intermediate · No equipment

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Take a slightly wider than hip distance stance with your knees slightly bent.
Place your right hand on your right hip to support the spine.
Raise your left arm in a vertical line and place your left hand behind your head. Keep it there as you incline your torso to the right.
Keep your weight evenly distributed between both legs (don't lean into your left hip). Switch sides.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

Loading movement options…

What it works

Muscles

Main: Abs.

Equipment

Other / check instructions

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Overhead Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoOverhead StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Seated Overhead Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSeated Overhead StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Revolved chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRevolved chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)Intermediate · No equipment

Staff pose (Dandasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStaff pose (Dandasana)Beginner · No equipment

Standing trunk rotation with a ball demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding trunk rotation with a ballIntermediate · Exercise ball

Stomach vacuum (drawing-in) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStomach vacuum (drawing-in)Beginner · No equipment

Browse more

Questions people ask

What muscles does the Standing Lateral Stretch work?

Mainly the abs.

What equipment do I need for the Standing Lateral Stretch?

Other / check instructions.

Is the Standing Lateral Stretch good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Boat pose (Navasana).

How do I make the Standing Lateral Stretch harder?

Progress to the Boat pose (Navasana), or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.